How to Avoid Fainting at Your Wedding

Your wedding should be a day you remember your entire life, but your memories will be clouded by embarrassment if you find yourself face-down in the wedding cake because of a fainting spell. It's natural to be nervous as your wedding day draws near, but you can make simple changes throughout the day to ensure you're steady on your feet.

Understand Your Fainting History

If your fear of fainting at your wedding is because of a history of fainting, take ownership of the situation by keeping a fainting diary in the months or weeks before your wedding. Note the circumstances that surround each fainting spell. For example, explain if you were under any stress, what you ate or drank or if you were on any medication. Keeping this diary allows you to ascertain, with the help of your doctor, factors that typically lead you to faint.

Monitor Your Diet

Consuming a proper diet can greatly reduce your chance of fainting. As you rush to complete last-minute tasks before your wedding, don't skip breakfast or lunch. Missing a meal is a common cause of a fainting spell. At the reception, ensure you mix in some appetizers as you mingle with guests to avoid getting too hungry. Likewise, drink water to avoid dehydration and limit your intake of alcohol.

Take Sitting Breaks

The bride and groom often stand for hours through the wedding ceremony, photos and the reception, but this prolonged standing doesn't just result in sore feet. Too much standing can increase your risk of fainting. Sit regularly throughout the reception. Instead of walking to greet your guests, find a spot at a table for a short period and allow your guests to come to you. As you turn to greet guests, turn your whole body, rather than just your head. Turning your head too quickly can make you feel lightheaded and cause you to faint. When you stand up again, do so slowly to avoid the blood rushing out of your brain.

Other Tips

Certain types of medication, including those that treat blood pressure or diabetes, can increase your risk of fainting. Speak to your doctor about any medication you take and discuss whether you can skip it on your wedding day. Stress can also lead to a fainting spell. If you're stressed, focus on taking deep, measured breaths. A long meditation session won't work on your wedding day, but if you have a word or phrase that helps you relax, repeat it in your head.